Based on the research that race, gender, disability, and other important topics should be discussed with toddlers on up, this series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism, this topic-driven audiobook offers clear, concrete language to introduce the concept of disability. This audiobook celebrates all bodies and abilities, just as they are, and addresses the inequities and opportunities for change in today's world.
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about tough issues from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
With additional resources and ideas for extending the discussion, these audiobooks offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult.
"The book is helpful for introducing basic social parameters, such as empathy and inclusivity of disabled people, as well as more abstract concepts, such as ableism and equity." —Booklist "An accessible introduction to disability and allyship." —Kirkus
Jessica Ralli is the Early Literacy Programs Coordinator at Brooklyn Public Library where she develops & manages grant-funded programming including Books Unbanned Storytimes. She has an M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has taught in museums, schools, and libraries. Jessica is a contributor to School Library Journal, and in 2020, she received the Library Journal Movers and Shakers Award for her advocacy work in libraries. Jessica is currently co-authoring the award-winning First Conversations series with Megan Madison, published by RISE X Penguin Workshop.
View titles by Jessica Ralli
Based on the research that race, gender, disability, and other important topics should be discussed with toddlers on up, this series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism, this topic-driven audiobook offers clear, concrete language to introduce the concept of disability. This audiobook celebrates all bodies and abilities, just as they are, and addresses the inequities and opportunities for change in today's world.
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about tough issues from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
With additional resources and ideas for extending the discussion, these audiobooks offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult.
Reviews
"The book is helpful for introducing basic social parameters, such as empathy and inclusivity of disabled people, as well as more abstract concepts, such as ableism and equity." —Booklist "An accessible introduction to disability and allyship." —Kirkus
Jessica Ralli is the Early Literacy Programs Coordinator at Brooklyn Public Library where she develops & manages grant-funded programming including Books Unbanned Storytimes. She has an M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has taught in museums, schools, and libraries. Jessica is a contributor to School Library Journal, and in 2020, she received the Library Journal Movers and Shakers Award for her advocacy work in libraries. Jessica is currently co-authoring the award-winning First Conversations series with Megan Madison, published by RISE X Penguin Workshop.
View titles by Jessica Ralli
